FAQs

Do DRS Conferences accept papers with co-first authors? If so, what format should be used to indicate this arrangement?

Yes, DRS conferences accept papers with co-first authors.  This should be indicated with asterisk notation. However, we cannot accommodate this in the metadata of the digital library at the moment. We need an order of authors to be able to upload publications, so you will have to designate first, second, third, and so forth. Should you wish to acknowledge an equal contribution of a co-author as first author,  please include this as a footnote in your paper.

Is the conference going to offer an online option? 

The expectation is that there will be some mechanism for people to present virtually. However, we do not yet know how robust the online offering will be at this point. We encourage, wherever possible, participation in person.  

What are the key responsibilities of theme track Chairs and Co-chairs? 

Largely, the expected role and responsibilities are concerning organising expertise. There is not a specific expectation about the role of a Chair versus a co-chair. Other responsibilities include:

• organising and promoting the track once the call for papers is open; 

• reviewing papers submitted to the track, organising external reviewers (three per paper submission), making initial program decisions and working in conjunction with the Programme Co-Chairs, who make final decisions on accepted papers; 

• once papers are accepted, collaboratively grouping papers into sessions (one or multiple, depending on the number of papers submitted, based on guidance from the program co-chairs); 

• assisting with session chairing during the conference;

• assisting with the preparation of the proceedings. 

Do the Corresponding Chairs and Co-Chairs need to be physically present at the conference? 

We expect the Corresponding Chairs are the ones to moderate the track discussions; therefore, it is advisable to attend the conference in person. For any possible issues, please contact the programme chairs.

What peer-reviewing process can be envisioned within each track? Can, for example, processes like open peer review or AI-enhanced peer review be used?

As it is now, ConfTool is configured to support a blind peer review process and, for the sake of consistency, we suggest adopting it for all the paper tracks. However, we are very open to discussing how different peer reviewing processes can be used to assess other conference formats like conversations and explorations.

Do you have to become a member of DRS before your theme track can be considered?

No. However, you will need to become a member to participate in the conference.

Are there specific requirements to be a track Chair or Co-Chair? 

No, there is no eligibility criteria for people proposing tracks. However, the organising team as a unit should have the expertise to judge the rigour and quality of the research papers submitted and an adequate network to identify potential reviewers.  

Is there a maximum or minimum or ideal number of people involved in proposing a track?

It is ideal to have at least two organisers, perhaps more if you expect you will receive a large number of submissions to your track 

Is it possible to include and exclude co-chairs at a later stage, for example when the theme has been accepted? 

Yes, though you have hopefully secured some tentative interest. A single person will not have the capacity to manage a theme track.

Is a chair or co-chair position limited to one person per institution, or can there be multiple chairs/co-chairs/individuals from the same institution?

We are looking for global diversity, so you should aim for diverse representation in the chair and reviewing teams if possible. The Design Research Society (DRS) is committed to the principles of plurality, diversity, and inclusion, as outlined in its Code of Conduct. We aim to embed these values meaningfully across our practices by fostering more diverse teams within the conference and ensuring that multiple perspectives are represented.

DRS values the inclusion and contribution of a wide range of individual and group differences, such as (but not limited to) sex, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, country of origin or residence, physical and mental ability, and religious or spiritual beliefs. In academia, it is also important to consider dimensions such as career stage, institutional affiliation, caring responsibilities, language and disciplinary background.

For this conference, we encourage all track teams to consciously reflect on the diversity of their teams and aim for greater inclusion, particularly in terms of gender, sex, geographic location, and institutional affiliation. 

Can additional individuals from the same institution participate under the same chair or co-chair role?

We are looking for diverse teams rather than a single institution. That being said, if this is the team that currently exists, please do submit your proposal. One outcome of the theme track proposal process is discovering teams with shared interests, so we may see an opportunity to pair you with people at other institutions. 

Is it typical for other, related societies to lead theme tracks? 

Although it is normal for there to be some alignment with other societies in DRS theme tracks, there is no expectation of a formal affiliation. 

Are networks comprising of international researchers and practitioners without a single institutional affiliation, eligible to submit a theme track proposal? 

Yes, this type of proposal is very much welcome. The main factor in theme track management is the capacity to manage the paper submission and peer review process. This does require a substantial number of people with PhD qualifications to ensure academic rigour, so just ensure you demonstrate this in your proposal.

If I have an idea for a track that is aligned with a DRS SIG, should I contact the SIG directly? 

Yes. 

Is there going to be an overall theme or direction for the conference that tracks can align towards? 

There is not a specific theme for the conference to which you need to align your track. 

Are theme tracks curated by organisers into broader themes and sub-sessions? 

We would suggest theme tracks are broad in nature but not so broad that they require sub-tracks emanating from them. Subthemes are usually the result of pooling related thematic submissions into a number of allied tracks, if there is merit to move beyond asking organisers to simply join forces through consolidating themes.   This is a process the programming committee will undertake depending upon the number of themes proposals submitted after the deadline. We work from the premise that there will be around 40 Track sessions.

What are the criteria for evaluating theme tracks? 

Please see the call for more information about assessment criteria. Broady, we ask: is this of specific relevance to the DRS community to attract strong paper submissions and do you have subject expertise and the capacity to organise the track and review submissions?  

What is the general acceptance rate for theme tracks?

At DRS2024, the acceptance rate was about 50%. However, this included some consolidation of tracks, and so may vary for DRS2026. The goal of track acceptances is to represent as broad a range of design research as possible. 

Will all theme track proposals receive feedback?

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide feedback to all proposals. 

How many submissions might we expect for our track? 

Each theme should be likely to receive at least 10-12 papers (though this is average, up to 25 papers is not uncommon, and our most popular tracks in 2024 received more than 50 submissions) with the expectation that there will be a 45-50% acceptance rate, which will manifest as one session of about 5 to 6 papers. However, if a track receives more accepted papers, then there is the possibility of having multiple paper sessions, possibly including papers from the open call or other tracks.

Can I or other members of the track organising committee submit a paper to our own track?

Yes, however, we discourage track coordinators from becoming too insular. We seek to promote the spirit of design, research, and collaboration, so we will be looking for proposals that seek to cast a wide net in a particular area of design research. You will also need to demonstrate that you are upholding rigorous review standards, such as ensuring you do not select paper reviewers for your own submission. 

What software do you use to review papers? 

We will be using Conftool. 

What is the timeline for review of papers that have been submitted to our track? 

We do not yet have set paper timelines for DRS2026. However, we expect that the call for papers will be announced in August, paper submission deadlines will be in the late autumn, after which the review process will begin. 

How is consistency of paper review maintained across tracks?

There are two main ways consistency is maintained. The first is the Chair and Co-Chairs’ expertise and expectation to assemble peer reviewers who are able to assess papers for rigour and quality. The second is the Programme Co-Chairs, who also assess acceptances across tracks to assure consistency. Each paper is double-blind reviewed, and if accepted, is published in the DRS Digital Journal of Conference Proceedings.

Can the co-chairs be listed as confirmed reviewers?

Yes.

Do reviewers need to confirm their commitment to do so in the proposal application? 

You do not need to provide a full list of reviewers at this stage. However, you are expected to list at least ten tentative reviewers in your application. If you have a list of people who have already agreed or who are likely to participate, you can mention that and include a rough estimate of the number of reviewers you expect. A challenge in the past is reviewer capacity. We want to make sure you have reviewers lined up to review papers because this is the responsibility of theme track chairs and not the responsibility of DRS. 

Are session numbers determined by the number of submissions to a particular track? 

There is a relationship between the submission volume for a track and sessions. However, the quality of submissions to each track is the determining factor regarding the number of accepted papers, and ultimately, the number of paper sessions. 

Is the conference going to offer an online option? 

The expectation is that there will be some mechanism for people to present virtually. However, we do not yet know how robust the online offering will be at this point. We encourage, wherever possible, participation in person.  

Is there a sliding scale for becoming a member for researchers in public and unfunded universities?

Yes, you'll see on our membership page that we have annual membership rates for DAC countries -- 15 GBP/year for students and 30 GBP/year for standard.

If my paper gets accepted, do I need to travel to Edinburgh to present it or can I do it online?

You will not need to travel to present your paper. We encourage, wherever possible, participation in person.  

Is there a cost for participating in the Conference and does that have sliding scale option?

There will be a cost. Rates will be announced in the coming months. 

Are there unified standards and requirements for the ethical guidelines in design research? 

At DRS2024, we did introduce guidelines around the use of AI in papers. This has yet to be released for DRS2026. Broadly, we defer to the ethical standards in the country in which you are conducting the research. To note: DRS does require original research and does not allow duplicate submissions, thus preventing self plagiarism.